How do I know what size of whole house generator to choose?

• <div><p>Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">Calculate your home’s electrical load</a> based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.</p></div>

What size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

How many days can a standby generator run continuously?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-can-whole-house-generator-run-continuously.htm">amount of time a standby generator can run continuously</a> is around <b>3,000 hours</b> on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Eau Claire, WI

Q: What size of diesel generator do you need to run a house?

• <div><p>Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">electrical load</a> of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.</p><p>In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. </p></div>

Q: How long can a whole house generator run?

• <div><p>As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn&rsquo;t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.</p><p>Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn&rsquo;t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Eau Claire, WI

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Eau Claire, WI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Eau Claire, WI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on October 29, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Pat in hot tub installation and service is a beast! He does the work of 2 guys! I still can't believe he installed my 6 person hot tub all by himself! He provides extraordinary service on all things relating to hot tubs. He truly is a hot tub expert!
Swimrite Pools & Spas
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2019
Curt Boos Wed, Sep 10, 2014, 3:57 PM to me Home Owner We have never received any complaints related to the noise generated by the radon fans. With that being said every install is different. Noise is usually a result of vibration from the fan, that can be easily taken care of by supporting the...
Bohl & Proulx Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2017
This is an excellent company to work with. I was scheduled promptly and they arrived when they said they would. The team worked well together and as individuals. Each knew his job and executed it efficiently and neatly. When his task was completed he would join the rest of the crew and work...
Watersource Heating and Cooling Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2016
He was able to install the keyboard tray for me in no time. In regards to the chair, not only did my boss try to fix it but after taking it to Office Depot they couldn't install the pump it either. Ken took it with him for about an hour and brought it back fixed...yay!!! The keyboard tray and...
Little Job's LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2016
Professional, punctual, courteous. Our old doors were bad (damaged) and poorly installed. Our technician - Jeff - went above and beyond to ensure their work corrected the issues from the old installation. Very happy with the entire experience and the outcome.
Overhead Door Co
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2015
Chuck is very knowledgeable. He and his carpenter, Doug Frank, do flawless and accurate work. Chuck is very informed about building code requirements, and all general construction. I have used him in the past for projects, and any sub-contractors he has used (e.g. electricians, dry wallers,...
Haldeman Builders
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2014
As a result of Jim's careful explanations, his high work ethic, his reasonable pricing, and the success of his repairs, I have developed a high level of confidence in his service. And apparently many others have also developed the same high regard for his service. His work is in such high...
J B AUTO REPAIR
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2013
He is very versatile. He can do it all. He is very prompt. He is courteous and even takes his shoes off at the door. He coordinated the removal and installation with the delivery time from the store items were purchased. He had the appliances ready to be taken away when the delivery came, and...
Tim the Tool Guy LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2013
He was the general contractor and did the woodwork for our bathroom remodel. He built us a custom vanity, he did custom woodwork and the most important part was finding plumbers and electricians and making sure they came and did their job on time. I would say to other Angie's List members that...
Tru-Cut Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2012
UPDATE - As of 11/1/2012 the company has taken care of the concerns we had with the gutter covers and end-caps so that none of the birds in the area can nest in our gutters. Company also took care of the $'s we paid to have locks rekeyed when we needed access to the house after a high amperage...
GE Contracting LLC
Request a quote

Find Generator install pros in Eau Claire

MJF Contracting, LLC

W8067 830th Ave

No reviews yet

MJF Contracting, LLC

W8067 830th Ave

No reviews yet

21 years of experience

MJF Contracting, LLC is a electrical construction and service company. We except payment with major credit cards or cash at the time of service. Terms can be arranged on larger projects.

Brightside Electric LLC

S553 Hovey Valley Rd

5.00(

)

Brightside Electric LLC

S553 Hovey Valley Rd

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

I am a Wisconsin licensed Master Electrician with 20 years of experience in residential, commercial, AG, industrial, service work and trouble shooting. I also offer free estimates.

"Job was done timely and on our time schedule. Cleaned up after themselves daily. Made suggestions that was affordable and looks great."

Dawn W on November 2020

I am a Wisconsin licensed Master Electrician with 20 years of experience in residential, commercial, AG, industrial, service work and trouble shooting. I also offer free estimates.

"Job was done timely and on our time schedule. Cleaned up after themselves daily. Made suggestions that was affordable and looks great."

Dawn W on November 2020

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Allied Generators

577 Shoreview Park Road

5.00(

)

Allied Generators

577 Shoreview Park Road

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

If you need a generator for home or business, Allied Generators offers turnkey generator installation, generator preventative maintenance, generator troubleshooting/repair, and generator monitoring. We can repair or service nearly any make and model. We also now offer portable generators for rent.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. Calculate your home’s electrical load based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more.

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW
1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW
2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW
2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW
3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.

As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn’t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.

Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn’t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.

The Eau Claire, WI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Breyden Kellam
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Breyden Kellam
•
Mar 14, 2025Mar 14, 2025
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator: What’s the Difference?
Struggling to choose the best generator for your electricity needs? Compare propane vs. natural gas generators to help you make the right choice.
Melissa Graham
•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
15 Generator Uses for Homeowners
A portable generator can serve several uses beyond its traditional purpose. If you’re looking for ways to put your generator to work, our guide can help.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 25, 2025Mar 25, 2025
How Do Natural Gas Generators Work?
Natural gas generators can tap into existing gas lines so they never run out of fuel. Here’s how they work and how they’re used.